Dave Batten is a Wellington-based comedian who is celebrating his 30th birthday performing in his own show and making other people laugh.
Dave Batten is a well-known face in the Wellington comedy scene. Photo: RNZ/ David Batten.
It hasn't always been an easy road, though. Born with athetoid cerebral palsy, it's hard for Batten to access the comedy clubs he performs in.
But the gigs have been made a lot easier by a gift from the Humorous Arts Trust.
The Trust has invested thousands in a portable ramp that can be used around the Wellington region ensuring access to comedy venues for performers and audience members.
Tonight, the ramp will be in action for the first time.
The show will also help with the final funding for the ramp.
"I haven't seen it yet, but it will make a big difference to me, where I can perform," Batten said.
"Hopefully other people with disabilities will now be able to have a go at comedy as well or whatever they want to do in the arts."
Batten said most venues had stairs, making them tough to get into, and his family usually had to carry him.
He has some of his own ideas when it comes to making venues around Wellington more disability-friendly.
"You could just knock the buildings down and start again. But seriously though, we need more modifications with things like this ramp and more parking spaces for disability as well. I think it's very important to have that."
Batten is a well-known face in the Wellington comedy scene and describes himself as "more of sit-down comedian than a stand-up one".
His comedy is all about his disability, specifically his cerebral palsy, and he sasy his goal is to bring awareness.
"Disabled people are just people like you."
He has a Powerpoint display at the show for the audience to read as he speaks so they can understand his jokes.
Batten's birthday show on 19 March at the Petone Working Men's club in Wellington will be MC'd by Paul Doglous and feature comedians Lucy Roche, Eli Matthewson and Lisa Macleod-Whiting.
"They are all very funny and talented comedians."
He said he would be celebrating his birthday in style with his friends and whānau, some whom have travelled from out of town to see his show.
